Tillis Hill Equestrian Campground represents one of several horse-friendly camping options within reasonable distance of Cedar Key. Located approximately 60 miles northeast, this campground serves equestrian visitors exploring the Withlacoochee State Forest trail system. The facilities can accommodate campers with horse trailers and provide appropriate areas for horses during overnight stays. The forest offers over 40 miles of equestrian trails through diverse Florida ecosystems.
What to do
Trail riding from camp: At Shangri-La Trailhead & Campground, riders access extensive sandy trails directly from their sites. "Sandy trails for horses, watch out for rattle snakes. Trails go on for miles and has a huge sand hill near by to ride horses on and cross over i75," notes Jennifer L. The campground connects to the Cross Florida Greenway trail system.
Springs exploration: The natural springs near Manatee Springs State Park Campground offer wildlife viewing opportunities. "Boardwalk and swimming in the springs was open... Boardwalk was really cool and long and we saw a couple of manatees," shares Laura M. The springs maintain a constant temperature year-round, providing habitat for manatees during winter months.
Cave exploration: Explore limestone caves within Withlacoochee State Forest. "Loved walking in the caves around the corner," writes Nate D. about Holder Mine Campground. These geological features result from Florida's karst topography and offer unique exploration opportunities not typically associated with Florida's landscape.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Equestrian campgrounds typically provide ample space between sites. At Manatee Springs State Park, Dave D. appreciates the "peaceful secluded campsites. Most have a wooded buffer. There are full hookup sites available." This arrangement allows horse owners sufficient room for trailers and equipment.
Wildlife encounters: Many campers report wildlife sightings near Cedar Key equestrian camping areas. "We saw 3 alligators, one was a 13 footer! During winter and early spring you can swim with the manatees," shares PopandNana D. about their stay at Manatee Springs. Deer are commonly seen throughout the forest areas surrounding equestrian campgrounds.
Clean facilities: Ross Prairie Campground maintains well-kept amenities important to campers. "Great place to stay with nice hot showers!" notes Kimberly S. Most equestrian campgrounds prioritize bathroom cleanliness despite their rural settings, with shower facilities available at select locations.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to horse campgrounds can present challenges. Robert M. advises about Tillis Hill: "The 'right' road is a 1 1/2 mile drive on for the most part, smooth limestone... Yes two or three spots with pot holes, but manageable." Some forest roads may deteriorate during rainy seasons.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require advance bookings. Potts Preserve requires permits but at no cost: "There are three different areas to camp, all require reservations however they are free," explains Gail W. Weekends often fill completely during winter months.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly at equestrian campgrounds. "Cell service is bad for AT&T. I'm told other carriers are better," reports Mandie Z. about Tillis Hill. Reception typically improves at campgrounds closer to towns like Dunnellon and Chiefland.
Tips for camping with families
Horse-friendly activities: Family campers appreciate structured opportunities for children. Jenn B. notes about Manatee Springs: "Wonderfully quiet. Store where you can rent canoes. Dock to go fishing. River is quiet and deer come right through your campsite." These amenities complement equestrian activities.
Safety considerations: Families should prepare for wildlife encounters. "If you are not a fan of horses, I don't recommend this location... The sounds of coyotes at night spooked our dog, but we got through the night with some comforting and cuddles," advises Shayna B. about Shangri-La Trailhead.
Site selection strategies: Choose sites based on amenities and proximity to facilities. At Bearhead Hammock Primitive Campsites, Laura M. reports: "Each site has a horse corral, garbage bin, picnic table, and a lump on the ground for a fire. You don't need to have a horse to camp here. We put our lab in the corral." Some families repurpose equestrian facilities creatively.
Tips from RVers
Seasonal considerations: RVers recommend specific timing for visits. "Night walks down to the pier are a must," suggests Kat A. about winter visits to Manatee Springs. Summer brings higher temperatures and increased insect activity around equestrian trails.
Site leveling challenges: Some equestrian campgrounds present leveling difficulties. Mandie Z. observes at Tillis Hill: "Some sites are a challenge to level, seems the park was built some time ago and the Earth's shifting has made some uneven." Bringing extra leveling blocks helps with stabilization.
Setup positioning: Orientation matters at equestrian campgrounds. Laura M. notes about Bearhead Hammock: "Sites are about $9 or 11/night, but with taxes and fees came to a little over $13... Has a park like feel, lots of grass and trees." Positioning RVs to maximize shade reduces cooling requirements during warmer months.
Ranger
